Whether it’s in-depth storytelling for one or two family members, or targeted story-catching from a wider group of relations, a Family Chronicle records collective memories before they vanish, and turns them into heirlooms to treasure.
A Family Chronicle is usually written for a small, known audience, whether that is your immediate family, future descendants, wider family branches or family friends.
Family History Chronicles
Chronicling the past, in the present, for the future
These Chronicles are autobiographical in nature – I hold the pen, but you’re in charge.
Being long-form and interview-based, your Chronicle will require us to sit down together over a number of hours as I coach you through sharing your memories, experiences, crossroads and life lessons. I do most of the heavy lifting – shaping your story along a timeline, probing for interesting details and anecdotes, taking notes, transcribing interviews, helping to select images, creating a book structure and writing your story for you to edit and approve.
You can also record a more contained story, for example, about overseas travel or the process of building a house. What about baby’s first year? This is such a special time for parents and extended family, however, the details of this phase of life are frequently forgotten.
I also design your Chronicle’s ‘look’, matching text and images in a way that makes reading a pleasure, even if younger family members only look at the pictures! Audio recordings of our interviews, and digital files of your photographs are provided.
Output: Full digital manuscript, beautifully designed with images integrated throughout, and completed to a publishable standard. One professionally printed and bound copy of your Chronicle, together with a digital print file so you can reproduce unlimited copies at your leisure. Digital copies of your interview audios and images. Note: there is no page limit.
Time and cost: These Chronicles can take 3-6 months to complete, and are priced from $20,000. The cost is based on how many interviews are conducted (minimum of 4 x 2 hours recommended), the number of images included, and any background research required.
Five Reasons You’ll Treasure Your Family History:
1 A Family History Chronicle captures voices, experiences and details that might otherwise be forgotten over time. In particular, it contains traditions, values and lessons unique to your family.
2 A Chronicle can strengthen connections within your family for decades to come, helping generations understand each other through this enduring keepsake.
3 A Chronicle acknowledges the achievements, struggles and legacies that have shaped your family.
4 A Chronicle is like a family photo album on steroids – a full narrative sits beside all the old photographs so your descendants will never be left wondering.
5 Finally, writing can be difficult and time consuming, and people often don’t know where to start. Working with a professional ensures the right questions are explored and your stories are told in the most engaging way.
Family Celebration Chronicles
Chronicling significant family occasions as enduring keepsakes
These Chronicles are shorter, punchier, and rely on quick ‘story-catching’ interviews. I record interesting quotes, short tributes and the atmosphere of the celebration, and draw on visual story-telling to honour your special occasion. As always, I apply a thoughtful process of understanding what you are wanting to achieve from the outset and then checking in with you about approving the draft to ensure you are thrilled with the final version.
You can create a Chronicle for any significant milestone, including weddings, anniversaries, birthdays and family reunions.
Output: Full digital manuscript, beautifully designed with images integrated throughout, and completed to a publishable standard. A digital print file allowing you to print as many copies as required.
Time and cost: These books can be completed in 3-4 weeks and are priced from $5000.
Five Reasons You’ll be Thrilled You Have a Celebration Chronicle:
1 A Family Celebration Chronicle captures voices, details and experiences from a celebration that would otherwise be forgotten over time.
2 A Chronicle is a great way to honour a family member on a significant birthday, or maybe your parents on their wedding anniversary.
3 A Chronicle is a meaningful memento of a significant celebration or milestone that can be passed from hand to hand for decades to come.
4 Younger family members may not discover an interest in their family history until later in life when Mum and Dad may no longer be around to ask, or the details have become hazy. A Chronicle anchors memories in one place for when the younglings are ready.
5 Finally, you want to focus on enjoying your celebration … leave this job to someone else.
Chronicling Lives … Connecting Generations